ICAO Reports Air Safety Improvements in 2023

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) unveiled significant improvements in aviation safety for 2023 during its 14th Air Navigation Conference in Montreal. Despite the challenges posed by post-pandemic recovery, the ICAO report reveals a marked decline in both global aviation accident and mortality rates.

According to the ICAO's annual safety report, the mortality rate in commercial aviation dropped to 17 fatalities per billion passenger miles, a significant reduction from 50 per billion in 2022. The global accident rate also decreased, falling to 1.8 per million departures from 2 million the previous year.

The surge in passenger traffic, which reached 4.2 billion in 2023 compared to 3.2 billion in 2022, and an increase in flight departures to over 35 million, up from 31 million, did not hinder these safety gains. These improvements align with the objectives outlined in ICAO's Global Aviation Safety Plan.

Salvatore Sciacchitano, President, ICAO Council, attributed these achievements to the concerted efforts of the aviation community. “Our steadfast goal remains to achieve zero fatalities in commercial aviation. Reaching this ambitious target necessitates a collective effort. By working together, we can and will enhance safety for every passenger and crew member,” Sciacchitano remarked.

The report indicates that 2023 was the safest year in the past five, based on key metrics such as the global accident rate, number of fatal accidents, total fatalities, and fatality rate. However, it also notes one fatal accident that resulted in 72 deaths. ICAO identifies five global high-risk categories—controlled flight into terrain, loss of control in flight, mid-air collisions, runway excursions, and runway incursions—which were responsible for all fatal accidents and 9% of total accidents in 2023.

Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to safety enhancements through its Global Aviation Safety Plan and specific high-risk area initiatives. “We are refining our audit programs, updating global standards, and offering tailored support to member states. We urge all our partners—governments, airlines, airports, air traffic service providers, and manufacturers—to bolster their safety efforts and work closely with ICAO,” Salazar said.

The report provides a breakdown of accident categories for 2023, with turbulence and abnormal runway contact being the leading causes, according to A21. These factors accounted for nearly half of all reported accidents. In terms of aircraft damage, two aircraft were destroyed—one due to a ground control loss and another from a flight control loss. Additionally, eight aircraft experienced significant damage from abnormal runway contact.